Word Origin & History

cuddle c.1520, probably a variant of obs. cull, coll "to embrace" (see collar), or perhaps M.E. *couthelen, from couth "known," hence "comfortable with." The word has a spotty early history, and it seems to have been a nursery word at first. Related: Cuddly (1863).

Example Sentences for cuddle

He was not fond of petting, but allowed one or two honored beings to cuddle him.

Cuddle up against me, darling, and try and go to sleep then.

I expect they cuddle you and play with you and hold you 'most exactly like mothers.

If you do that again, Allyn, sister won't have any little brother to cuddle.

You are the Devil's own son, Ivan; come and let me cuddle you.

Then it was a joy to rush back to bed and cuddle closely in the warmth.

I shouldn't care to hold a young heron in my hand and cuddle it!

Had you seen one of them, you could hardly have helped wanting to cuddle him.

You don't want her, do you, to cuddle and pet you as if you were a great big baby?